Halt now, and I will call to her when I have got my breath." So after a while he called, saying: "O Queen, cease to starve yourself in this miserable abode, and come down to dwell in plenty with your faithful subject." He called it once, and twice, and thrice, but there was no answer.

Now Abi grew afraid.
"She must have perished," he said, "and Egypt will demand her blood at my hands.

Kaku, go up and see what has happened.

You are a magician, and have nothing to fear." But the astrologer thought otherwise, and hesitated, till Abi in a rage lifted his cedar wand to strike him on the back.

Then he went, step by step, slowly, pausing at each step to address prayers and praises to her Majesty of Egypt.